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15.9.16

Wythe Bea

Wythe Bea is a new womenswear label that I first discovered on Instagram.
Being unable to resist dreamy seaside settings and pastel colours, I just hoped they
were ready for my barrage of ‘likes’.

Formed
by Sarah and Matthew Tomkins, who recently moved from London to Margate (that
old chestnut), they describe their label as a 'creative outlet' that combines the pair’s interests in
design, music and textiles. They have just launched their first collection, which they say is influenced by late 80’s American advertising.

These influences have transpired into
charming feminine outfits that look right at home in seaside spots. While the cute and youthful look is there, the choice of fabrics Wythe Bea work with create mature
and sophisticated garments. The short skirts and matching pieces echo the
styles of my favourite decade, the sixties. But they are brought up to date and have a cool, contemporary
and fresh appeal – surely the perfect combination? Sarah and Matt say that wool, cashmere and sheepskin
outerwear will be a recurring theme in their collections.

I’ve seen so many fashion photoshoots that
have been done around Thanet, but this one seemed particularly interesting to
me; you can tell that the designs are coming from an interesting place with inspired concepts - the
pieces are impactful and timeless. As a photographer, it was the way in which Wythe Bea convey their clothing through unconventional compositions that really
caught my attention.

Yes, they’re taking on the seaside setting, but it’s not
just because it’s sweet and retro. Their lookbook has created a sense of the Thanet
coastal lifestyle and I think the designers have been very perceptive in their choice of
locations. Places like Palm Bay (even the name of that
place brings me joy) being focused on is refreshing – it's an amazing place for photos that
doesn’t get much attention with all the girly fashion brands forever seeking multi-coloured beach huts.

Morelli's is my favourite place in the whole
of Broadstairs, so it’s particularly great to see this as a backdrop for Wythe Bea's lookbook - especially without the cringeworthy laughing-for-no-apparent-reason style of images. I refer you to women laughing alone with salad.

Well done, Wythe Bea, you’ve shown me something different and I’m excited to see what comes next. Keep up to date with them here. And of course, follow their lovely, lovely Instagram.